There will be several Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) exams
that you can take to certify specific skills on the Server 2008 platform. These
are roughly equivalent to becoming a MCP in Windows 2000/2003. You will earn
MCTS certification for each different exam that you pass. Here are the initial
MCTS exams that will be released:
There are two different Server 2008 tracks, the Server Administrator and the
Enterprise Server Administrator. Both of these are MCITP level certifications,
requiring multiple exams. These are the highest level of certification (outside
of the MCA program) that you can attain. Here are the requirements for each.
Windows Server 2008 Administrator:
***Only 3 exams required; the MCTS exams 70-640 and 70-642 and the main
MCITP exam for this track, 70-646
Windows Server 2008
***5 exams required; the MCTS exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-620 (or
70-624) and the main MCITP exam for this track, 70-647
No. You get to keep your MCSE or any credential earned under the Windows
2000/2003 certification track. You essentially have a “MCSE in Windows
2003″ (for example).
However, you do not become a “MCSE in Windows 2008″, because the MCSE
no longer exists. You will have to upgrade to one of the MCITP certifications
referenced above. Your Windows 2000/2003 certifications will not expire and
will continue to be valuable as long as Windows 2000/2003 is used on company
networks.
If you are currently working on your MCSE/MCSA keep working on it … it is still
valuable and will provide you with excellent base knowledge that will also
apply to Windows 2008.
Yes, there is an upgrade path but only for WINDOWS 2003 MCSEs
and MCSAs. If you are certified in Windows 2000, you
must upgrade to Windows 2003 first or just take the Windows 2008 exams
individually. Here are the upgrade details:
Windows 2003 MCSE – Pass the 70-649 (upgrade) exam and you do not have to
take 70-640, 70-642, 70-643. You DO have to take the
MCITP: Enterprise Server Administrator exam and the
Windows 2003 MCSA – Pass the 70-648 (upgrade) exam and you do not have to
take 70-640, 70-642. You DO have to take the MCITP: Server Administrator exam.